PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Ezekiel 33-34
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words.
But they do not put them into practice.” (Ezekiel 33:31)
Ezekiel preaches against the nations (ch.31-33), but also to his own people (ch.33).
Here he warns that they love to listen, but not to respond to the message.
Sometimes I wonder about the many messages we listen to as christians?
Week after week, year after year, sermon after sermon… but what happens?
I am guilty of this too – I may read the bible a lot, but what do I do with it?
Jesus told his disciples to teach others to obey, not just hear or believe!
Do sermons even encourage action, do they help people act on what they hear?
The goal is not to have (or hear) great messages, it is to DO what Jesus says.
Jesus has set us free from the penalty and power of sin.
His Spirit is in us to help us work out this salvation in our lives.
But it requires “every effort” (2 Peter 1:5-11) from us to practice what we hear.
How did the last message I gave encourage people to do what Jesus commanded?
How did the last message I heard challenge or change my behaviours?
PRAYER
Lord, I need to make following you very practical in my life. What is one thing I need to work on right now in my life where I am being challenged to change. Am I determined to put it in to practice?
God takes no “…pleasure in the death of the wicked” God is disappointed and punishes his people because they chose to ignore Him – “You rely on your sword”. God sends his prophets but the people hear but do not listen or if they listen they do not do: “My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain.” It goes against what God is looking for. He wants His people to love and serve Him and honour Him – He wants to shepherd His people: “You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’” What love the God has for us – we have forgiveness for our bad – because of God’s great love – the Shepherd who cares for His sheep. I am such a lamb – in need of God’s grace – and have the privilege of living under His care!! Lord help me to listen and do!!
Listen to the voice of the Lord – Do this and live.
He is my shepherd and knows what is good for me. I need to listen to His voice as He continues to guide me in the way to walk. My walk need to be in His SonShine, making others see Christ Jesus in me. Living for Jesus. Help me daily Lord to produce the fruit of the Spirit.
Lead me oh lord, won’t you lead me
I am tired and I need thy strength and power
To guide me over my darkest hour
For just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh lord, won’t you lead me
Lead me, guide me along the way
For if you lead me I cannot stray
Or just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh lord, won’t you lead me
I am lost if you take your hand from me
I am blind without thy light to see
Lord just always let me thy servant be
Lead me oh lord, won’t you lead me
Lead me, guide me along the way
For if you lead me I cannot stray